SAE Newsletter – April 2021, Volume 11, Issue 2, Hamal 1400

A QUARTERLY UPDATE FROM THE SOCIETY OF AFGHAN ENGINEERS

P.O. Box 11097, Alexandria, Virginia 22312
http://www.afghan-engineers.org/index.html

Dear Colleagues:

On behalf of the the SAE eNewsletter Subcommittee, I am wishing you, your respected families, friends, and colleagues a Happy New Year 1400. We are looking forward to the prosperity and peace in Afghanistan and the entire world. We are also wishing you safety from coronavirus.

This is the second issue of the Year 2021 SAE eNewsletter (newsletter) and eleventh year of the quarterly update from the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) through the publication of the newsletter. This issue of the newsletter features an article by Amanullah Mommandi, P.E. entitled, Wingwall Design of Skewed-Crossing Concrete Box Culverts.

The Newsletter includes an interview with Honorable Professor Abdul Salam Azimi, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and former President of Kabul University. There is news about SAE-Ashraf Roshan Scholarship for Architecture Education in Afghanistan.

The newsletter includes report of the newly elected Executive members of the Society and Chairpersons of the Committees for the 2021-2023 term. There is news about SAE 2021 new members.

We are looking forward to the receipt of your technical news and articles, especially about Afghanistan.

Very Truly Yours,
Ghulam Mujtaba
Ghulam Mujtaba, MS-CE, P.E., CPM
Editor-In-Chief, SAE eNewsletter

Inside This Issue

• SAE President’s Message
• Message from the Chairman, SAE Board of Directors
• Wingwall Design of Skewed-Crossing Concrete Box Culverts
• Interview with Honorable Professor Abdul Salam Azimi former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and former President of Kabul University
• Membership News
• SAE-Ashraf Roshan Scholarship for Architecture Education
• SAE Executive Committees 2021-2023
• SAE New Members 2021
• Achievements and Awards
• Announcements
• Comments and Suggestions
• The Society of Afghan Engineers Organization

President’s Message No. 2, April 2021

We began the year 2021 with a new administration that was formed in a historical election at the end of the year 2020. We started our work from the ground up. The first week of January 2021, nominations were made to fill the positions required by the Bylaws. Architect Hamayon Ibrahim for Vice President of the Society; Mr. Hafiz Wardak as the Secretary, and Dr. Mahmood Samizay as the new Treasurer of the Society. The new Board of Directors approved all the three nominees. However, a revision was made as the appointment of Prof. Hafiz Wardak was in conflict with the Bylaws of the Society. Mr. Wardak accepted the change of title but continued his valuable input and cooperation with the Executive branch of the Society at a different capacity. Also, Professor Bashir Kazimee, Mr. Rafaat Ludin, and Mr. Wali Shairzay were nominated for the positions of Chairperson of the Architecture and City Planning Subcommittees; Chairperson of the Society of Afghan Engineers/Afghan Government Agencies Liaison Subcommittee; and Chairperson of the Capacity Building and Academic Development Subcommittee. All three nominees were approved by the Board of Directors.

A short unofficial trip was made to Virginia, the headquarter of the Society, on January 6 to meet Mr. Atiq Panjshiri; outgoing president; Ms. Sohaila Shekaib, outgoing Chairwoman of the Society and other members residing in Virginia. Mr. Panjshiri was kind to meet with me and Mr. Samizay, the new Treasurer, and the bank account was transferred to a new account under the new administration. We thanked him for the work he has done in the past 6 years as president of the Society and for the smooth transition of the administration. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, large gatherings were avoided and one to one meeting were preferred. Mr. Hadi Rakin and Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh, new Board Members of the Society joined me to meet with Mr. Hassan Sherdil, President of the Afghan Academy in Virginia at the Mustafa Mosque. Also, present at this meeting were Mr. Akram Usman, Chairman of the Board of Director, and Mr. Iqbal Hussaini, President and Executive Council of Mustafa Mosque. Both, the Afghan Academy President, and the Mustafa Mosque Administrators expressed their appreciation for the contributions that the SAE made in the construction of the mosque. Mr. Sherdil agreed that the Society can use their new complex as the physical address and office of the Society.

I am pleased to announce that the Society has now a physical address which is 6265 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22310. On January 8, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Hamid Naweed, an Afghan scholar, a writer, archaeologist and an art historian. During the meeting, discussions were made on how Mr. Naweed can collaborate with the Architecture and City Planning Subcommittees of the SAE on preserving historical buildings and architecture in Afghanistan. On January 9, 2021, I concluded my trip meeting with Hamayon Ibrahim and Architect Aziz Ghani.

On January 28, 2021, Mr. Ghulam Mujtaba, Editor-in-Chief of the SAE eNewsletter called for the quarterly Subcommittee zoom meeting to discuss mainly the planned publication items of the April issue of the newsletter.

Mr. Rafaat Ludin, Chairperson of the SAE/AGE Liaison Subcommittee has prepared a 3-year plan for the joint SAE and Afghan governmental Agency activities. The plan has been submitted to the Board of Directors for review. Similarly, Professor Bahsir Kazimee, Chairperson of the Architecture and City Planning Subcommittee prepared a 1-year Plan for the Architecture and Urban Planning activities of the Society. The proposed 1-year Plan was approved by the Board of Directors. Thanks to both, Mr. Rafaat Ludin and Professor Bashir Kazimee, for their contributions to the Society. The details of both plans will become available to all members.

The family of late Architect Ashraf Roshan approached the Society and requested to help them with a Scholarship Fund the family is willing to establish. Ashraf Roshan was a former Treasurer, member of the Board of Directors of the Society. He passed away at a young age while fighting cancer. A task force under the leadership of Professor Bashir Kazimee was formed and after detailed discussions and meetings with Roshan family (his wife and three daughters), the structure of the Scholarship Fund was prepared for final review and approval by the family. The details of the scholarship is included in this issue of the Newsletter.

It was also proposed to have a Representative of the Society in Kabul. Several candidates have submitted their application and CVs for the position and a selection will be made by the first week of April 2021.

One of the most significant decisions that was made during this first quarter of the year 2021 was a proposal to establish a research center at Kabul University. Preliminary discussions were made to establish a center by the name of The Society of Afghan Engineers Research and Innovation Center (SAERIC) under the sponsorship of the Society at the Faculty of Engineering of Kabul University, This Research Center will include all Engineering disciplines and Architecture and Urban Planning. Some members of the Society recalled the existence of a Research Center by the name of “Center for Engineering Consulting Service and Applied Research (CECSAR) at the Faculty of Engineering in the 1970’s.

Membership in the Society has increased in the past two months in comparison with year 2020 membership list. The details of the new members information are included in the welcome New Members part of the newsletter. We welcome them all to the Society.

Lately, Mr. Jefferey Geico, President and CEO of the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) contacted the Society of Afghan Engineers for meetings and discussions on subjects of mutual interest. A virtual meeting via zoom between Mr. Grieco and one of his colleagues, Mr. Edward Concorans, and Members of the Society of Afghan Engineers took place on March 4, at noon time. In a two-hour meeting, a wide range of subjects from introducing the two organizations to each other to having the knowledge, expertise and experiences of the two organizations and how can each support and help the other on a mutual agreement. Mr. Grieco invited members of the SAE to participate in the working groups of the AACC. Their main working groups are listed as the Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mining, Chabahar Port, Banking and New Women’s Empowerment. Also, Mr. Grieco promised to set up zoom meetings with the Asian Development Bank Afghanistan Director, Mr. Narendra Singru, the USGS and the USAID team working on mining and extractives. Subjects of discussion may include new water project for Kabul, Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) projects monitoring program via SAE, and a deeper discussion on how SAE can build its mechanism for the benefit of ADB and its Afghan projects that are urgent and critical for infrastructural success.

Website of the Society needs to be updated. A new Face group under the name of the “Society of Afghan Engineers” was opened and several members have joined the group. Also, it was decided to print “Stationery” such as business cards, letterhead, envelope, and identification cards for the use of the Society members. Much work is left to be done and I look forward to your participation and contribution in all activities of the Society.

One behalf of the Society of Afghan Engineers, we wish you, your families, relatives, and friends around the world a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year (Nowruz 1,400). May this year bring happiness, new goals, new achievements, and a lot of new inspirations on our life. Wishing every day of the new year to be filled with success, happiness, and prosperity for you.

With Regards,
Najim M. Azadzoi, AIA
SAE President

Message from Mr. Abdul Manan Khalid, the Chairman, SAE Board of Directors

Dear readers of the SAE eNewsletter,

The eventful and disruptive 2020 has been behind us for 3 months. It has been more than a year since the dark cloud of the merciless Virus has covered the skies. Vector Hugo, the famous French writer said it best, that “Even the darkest nights will end and the sun will rise again”. I very much believe that. The spring is in the air, and in the Northeast of US where I live, the tulips have popped up from the black soil and trees are starting to come to life, so will our way of life. With the fast pace of vaccination, there is a definite light at the end of the tunnel.

It has also been exactly 3 months since the new administration took charge of the SAE. The new team has been faithfully trying to build on almost three decades of accomplishments of their predecessors. As without their accomplishments, there would not have existed the SAE today. They tried sincerely, and did all they could within the limitations that surrounded them. In the next three years, we will also try to serve and do good by our mission. Only time will tell, on how much, would we be able to accomplish.

I can assure you that the new Board of Directors (the Board) have been busy. The Society’s Bylaws mandates a minimum of four meetings in a year, but the Board have held six meetings already. The goal is to set the volunteering work in motion. During these meetings, a number of items had been discussed and decisions made. Following are some of the highlights of the discussed and decided items:

• Biographies of all proposed nominees of the Society’s Executive Committee have been reviewed, discussed and approved.
• Mr. Jalal Masumi, and Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh were respectively approved as Vice Chairman and the Executive Director of the Board.
• Hiring a local representative in Kabul was proposed by the Executive Committee, was discussed and deemed as a good idea. The Executive Committee was asked to delineate his or her role and responsibilities and present that to the Board.
• According to the Bylaws, the Society’s Bylaws must be reviewed every 5 years, and revised as recommended. After the Board’s review, the recommended and accepted changes shall be presented in the Society’s General Assembly Meeting for final approval. The Bylaws were last revised in 2015, and therefore, it is due for review again. In line with that, a Task Force was formed to compile comments received from members and present them to the Board for review.
• Work plans presented by the Afghan Government Agencies (AGA) Liaison and the Architectural Subcommittees were reviewed.
• Providing Membership Cards to active members was reviewed and approved
• The SAE’s 2021 budget was reviewed and revisions requested. The revised version will be discussed in the future meetings.
• A Special Meeting was held to discuss possible collaborations with the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce (AACC). The Executive Committee will review feasible areas of collaboration, and will present their findings and recommendations to the Board in the future.

There has always been a positive movement in increasing our members. As they are the Society’s building blocks and their ideas and contributions will shape our future accomplishments. I urge every one of you to become a member and to come forward with ideas and recommendations for the betterment of this noble Society. We are all eager to help our beloved country, and it is time to show that love and to help in whichever way possible.

Lastly, I wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. May year 1400 be full of hope and a new beginning for peace in our beloved country.

Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,
Abdul Manan Khalid, P.E., LEED (BD+C)
Chairman, SAE Board of Directors

Wingwall Design of Skewed-Crossing Concrete Box Culverts

By Amanullah Mommandi, P.E.

I. Abstract

Ideally, a stream crosses a roadway at a 90-degree angle. However, there are many legal, environmental, and right of way restrictions preventing engineers from aligning streams to cross roadways at 90 degrees (perpendicular). Due to these restrictions, most culverts that carry streams cross roadways at skewed angles. This article provides recommendations for addressing the wingwall configurations for skewed culverts.

II. Introduction

The inspection of the constructed culverts in Afghan roadways indicates that many of the skewed culverts carrying water under the roadways do not have hydraulically efficient wingwalls at their inlets or outlets. The Colorado Department of Transportation Drainage Design Manual (2004 CDOT DDM) provides detailed design of skewed culvert wingwall configurations.

This article includes information from Chapter 9 of the 2004 CDOT DDM, which provides design of the skewed wingwall culvert configurations for roadway crossings. The simple and easy to understand examples in this document have the potential to be beneficial for hydraulic engineers at the Afghanistan Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development; and engineering consultants working in Afghanistan.

While the focus here is on roadway crossings, these guidelines can also be used for other applications, such as streams crossing railroads and other infrastructures. The article provides some basic hydraulic design of wingwall configurations followed by an example of designing wingwalls for skewed culverts, and brief recommendations on the subject.

III. Overview of Culverts

A culvert is a structure that provides an opening under a roadway and are used as underpasses for cars and pedestrian, cattle, animal, and stream crossings. Culverts that are wider than 20 feet are defined as bridges as per US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

FHWA requires that all department of transportations inspect culverts wider than 20 feet every other year. FHWA does not have any requirement for the inspections of culvers that are smaller than 20 feet wide. This document focuses on culverts wingwalls design that carry stream under roads. Specifically, the focus is on culverts that cross roadways at skewed angles.

Culvert Skew

When a culvert is not perpendicular to a road it is called skewed culvert. culvert skew is defined as the acute horizontal angle to the left between the roadway centerline and the culvert centerline. Culvert skew should not be less than 45 degrees, without the approval of a hydraulic engineer. If skew is less than 45 degrees, the hydraulic efficiency of the culvert decreases.

The wingwalls for a skewed culvert are not equal in size, the wingwall located at the attack angle of the stream must be longer in length to protect the roadway embankment from failure.

Headwalls

A full headwall is required for culverts that have an area equal to or larger than 50 square feet or that have a diameter greater than or equal to 96 inches. Headwalls should be placed perpendicular to the culvert centerline for all culverts with a span less than 7 feet.

For culverts wider than 7 feet, the following steps should be used to determine if the headwall is to be placed perpendicular to the culvert or parallel to the roadway:
* Subtract the width of culvert (ft.) from the culvert skew (degrees).
* Use headwalls perpendicular to culvert if result is greater than 50 (dimensionless)
* Use headwalls parallel to roadway if result is less than 50 (dimensionless).

Wingwalls

The following are some functions of wingwalls.
* Used to retain the roadway embankment to avoid roadway spill into the channel.
* Used where the side slopes of the channel are unstable.
* Used where the culvert is skewed to the normal channel flow.
* Used to smoothly direct the flow into culvert entrance to increase the hydraulic efficiency at the culvert entrance.

Wingwalls provide the best hydraulic efficiency if the flare angle is between 30 and 60 degrees. Concrete wingwalls shall be used in all box culverts with full concrete headwalls.

Apron

• Shall be used to reduce scour from high flow velocities at the inlet and outlet of culverts.
• Shall not protrude above the normal streambed elevation.
• Concrete apron shall be used at inlet and outlet of the culverts with wingwalls.
• Cut-of Walls shall be used at the end of concrete apron at the inlet and outlet of culverts.

Wingwall geometry is initially determined by a combination of six parameters:
* The distance in feet from the flowline to the inside top of the culvert. (H, Ba, or Rise), generally fixes the value of m, in feet the height of the upper end of the wingwall).
1. The skew angle of the culvert (θ)
* The roadway fill slope (Z), (that is Z:1)
* The height in feet of the lower end of the wingwall (k) which can be determined from the given equation below. The site topography should dictate the actual value of k that must be used.
* The angle between the wingwall and a line parallel to the roadway centerline (θa or θb)
* The length of the wingwall (l) in feet.

The following guidelines should be used in selecting the values for the above six parameters in most situations. However, the designer must set the wingwalls to conform to the culvert site even though if the geometry differs from these guidelines.

The value of k can be determined from the following equation:
k = 1/2[H, Ba, or Rise] – 1 (Equation 1)

Values of k and θ must be chosen so the spill cones do not obstruct the culvert inlet and outlet. Higher ends of wingwalls may be used when the spill cone is not subject to erosion, like for stockpasses. The top of the wingwall should nearly match the final ground elevation. For irrigation structures, the k height should be above the design discharge surface elevation.

A wingwall flare angle of 20 to 40 degrees normally provides a hydraulically efficient inlet condition for the culvert. Use of the recommended values for θa and θb given in Table 1 below and k will generally, affects a smooth flow transition from channel to culvert, and keep the spill cone out of the projected jet of flow.

Skew Angle of culvert, θ (Degrees)	θa (Degrees)	θb (Degrees)
90	60	60
80	50	70
70	45	80
60	40	90
50	30	90
40	20	100
30	15	105
Less than 30	Consult the Hydraulic Engineer

Table 1. CDOT DDM Table 9.5 Recommended wingwall flare angles (θa or θb).

The value of m can be calculated from the equation:
m = [H, Ba, or Rise] + 1.33 (feet) (Equation 2)

The value of wingwall length (L) can be obtained from the following equation:
L = Z (m-k) / sin θ (Equation 3)

The wingwall length is constrained by the selection of Z, m, k, and θ. Fill slopes (Z:1) flatter than 4:1 should be warped to 4:1 or steeper beyond the culvert headwall to reduce excessive wingwall length. Wingwall lengths should be rounded to the nearest foot, for less than 14 feet. To the nearest even foot for greater than 14 feet but less than 30 feet; and to the nearest four-foot increment (30′, 34′, 38′, etc.) for equal to or greater than 30 feet.

X > 1.5 k (Equation 4)

Allow a spill cone slope of 1 to 1.5:1 or flatter at the wingwall ends to assure that the main flow jet, roughly defined by the culvert width, does not impinge on the spill cone.

IV. Skewed Culvert Wingwall Design: Example

This example in this section is for a 10 by 10-feet Concrete Box Culvert (CBC) with a 70-degree skew angle under a roadway with stream flow.

The following is given:
* Height = 10 Feet. The height of the culvert is selected by the Hydraulic Design.
* The skew angle = 70 degrees. Culvert centerline angle with roadway centerline. This is the stream centerline.
* Roadway Embankment Slope (Z) = 3

Find the following:
* Wingwall flare angle θa in Degrees
* Wingwall flare angle θb in Degrees
* The height in feet of the lower end of the wingwall (k)
* The value of m. m = [H, Ba, or Rise] + 1.33
* The length of the wingwall (l) in feet.

Solution:
* Wingwall flare angles (θa and θb) in Degrees:
Refer to Recommended wingwall flare angles. For a culvert with 70-degree skew angle:
θa = 45 degrees (sine 45 degree = 0.707)
θb = 80 degrees (sine 80 degree = 0.985) Correction to OCR typo

• The height in feet of the lower end of the wingwall (k):
  From Equation 1: k = 1/2 [10 feet] – 1 = Use 4 feet.

• The value of m:
  From Equation 2: m = [10 feet] + 1.33 = 11.33 feet. Use 12 feet.

• The length of the wingwall (l) in feet:
  From Equation 3: la = 3 (12 ft – 4 ft) / 0.707 (sin 45 degree) = 33.9 ft. Use 34 feet.
  From Equation 3: lb = 3 (12 ft – 4 ft) / 0.985 (sin 80 degree) = 24.37 feet. Use 24 feet.

V. Example of Wingwall Failure

It is critical that headwalls, aprons, and cutoff walls are placed at the inlet and outlet of all culverts under roadways. The cause of the failure of many wingwalls is the absence of the concrete apron and cutoff wall between the two wingwalls. Scour critical culverts are those where flow has removed material from the stream bed. To protect against failure, there is need for the placement of concrete apron or heavy rocks (riprap) between the wingwalls.

Connecting the wingwall to the culvert wall using number 4 rebars is recommended. The length of number 4 rebars shall not be less than 2 feet.

VI. Recommendations

Wingwalls, headwalls, aprons and cut off walls at the outlet of culverts play important roles in the stability of culverts and in preventing culvert failures. Wingwalls are important at the inlet of culverts to smoothly transition flow from a wide channel to the culvert entrance. Concrete apron and cutoff wall are not needed at the inlet / entrance of culvert.

The author recommends the utilization of this document as a guide for the design of the Skewed culvert wingwalls lengths, and other configurations for all Concrete Box Culverts in Afghanistan. It is recommended that the Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development along with others, shall make it a mandatory requirement in the design manuals to place wingwalls, headwalls, aprons, and cutoff walls at the outlet of all culverts under roadways.

Recommend connecting wingwalls to the culvert’s walls by Number 4 rebars of at least 2 feet in length. Recommend connecting culvert outlet aprons to the wingwall footing by Number 4 rebars of at least 2 feet in length. The depth of the culvert cut-off walls at the culvert outlet shall be at least two feet below the designed scour depth to prevent the undermining of the apron.

About the Author

Mr. Mommandi was born in Logar, Afghanistan in 1947. He graduated from the College of Engineering at Kabul University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1968. Subsequently, he joined the Water and Soil Survey Authority in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation where he served as a water resource engineer until 1973.

Mr. Mommandi pursued graduate studies in Water Resource and Hydraulics at Colorado State University located in Fort Collins, Colorado where he obtained his master’s degree in 1975.

Mr. Mommandi then returned to Afghanistan and started working for the Ministry of Water and Power (MPW) initially as a water resource engineer before assuming the roles of General Director of Planning, General Director of Technical Monitoring, and Inspection, and finally as the President of Kunduz Khanabad Water Resource Authority.

After immigrating to the United States, Mr. Mommandi briefly worked in the private sector as a consultant before joining the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Mr. Mommandi’s career at CDOT spanned over 35 years before his retirement in 2019. At CDOT, he served as the Hydraulic Program Manager and later as the Director of the Applied Research and Innovation Branch. Mr. Mommandi joined the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) in the early nineties, chaired the SAE Colorado Chapter and served two terms as member of SAE Board of Directors and Vice President. He is currently SAE Board member.

Amanullah Mommandi, M.S., P.E.
Email: mommandia@gmail.com

Interview with Honorable Professor Abdul Salam Azimi, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and former President of Kabul University

By: Abdul Wahed Hassani, PH.D., PE, M. ASCE

Professor (Pohand) Abdul Salam Azimi has had an outstanding career. He has served in high-level managerial positions in the Government of Afghanistan, including; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan from 2006 to 2014, Senior Advisor to Afghan President Karzai on Legal Affairs, Advisor on Legal Affairs to the Ministry of Justice, President of the Law Enforcement Department, and President of the Institute of Legislation Affairs at the Ministry of Justice in Afghanistan.

Professor Azimi has also served as an academia in the positions of President of Kabul University, Vice Chancellor of Kabul University, Professor and Assistant Dean of the College of Theology, Kabul University. He has also worked as Chief of Party and Team Leader of USAID funded Education Sector Support Projects of the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Prof. Azimi was born in 1937 in Nawbahar Village of Farah province, Afghanistan. He graduated from Sharia Faculty (College of Theology) of Kabul University, where after his graduation he was appointed as Assistant Professor in 1959. He earned his Post Graduate Diploma in Family Law and Master’s degree in Comparative Criminal Law from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt in 1967. Professor Azimi attended George Washington University, USA for his postgraduate studies in Comparative Law, from 1973 to 1975. He was accepted as a member of Islamic Jurisprudence Encyclopedia Association of Kuwait in 1984. He left Kabul with his family and moved to Pakistan in 1982 before immigrating to Omaha, Nebraska, US in 1983.

One of Professor Azimi’s great achievements in 2002-2003 was drafting the new constitution of Afghanistan. Pohand Azimi was awarded with the highest Governmental award of Ghazi Amanullah Khan Medal during a special ceremony by President Ashraf Ghani. Professor Azimi is reported to have gained a reputation in upholding the rule of law and improvement of the country’s legal system.

The interviewer (author) was student at the Faculty of Engineering, while Pohand Azimi was the President of Kabul University. Professor Azimi and the author have known each other since 1988. Professor Azimi is known for his dedication and love of his countrymen, honesty and professionalism.

Q: Please briefly tell the readers about yourself, your children, your schooling, hobbies and current activities.

R: I was born in Nawbahar Village of Farah province, Afghanistan on January 16, 1937, and was the youngest of the three boys. I have six beautiful children: three sons and three daughters, all are well educated. My schooling had a rough start. After I graduated from sixth grade, I had to leave for Kabul in 1949 to pursue my higher education. I then enrolled in Paghman religious school where modern science was taught by Afghans, Egyptian, and Iraqi instructors. After I graduated from high school, I enrolled in the Sharia Faculty of Kabul University in 1959, after my graduation I was appointed as an assistant professor. I received a scholarship in 1964 to attend Cairo’s Al-Azhar University to pursue my Master Degree in Sharia Law. In 1973, I traveled to Washington, D.C., and received certificates in Comparative Law from George Washington University. My hobbies consist of playing chess, traveling, reading, and writing books. I have translated the Holy Quran to Dari and Pashto languages along with its Tafseer.

Q: Please tell us that in which institutes you have worked in Afghanistan and abroad?

R: I started working with the Sharia Faculty of Kabul University as an assistant professor. Later, I was promoted to professor and Assistant Dean. In 1976, I was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Kabul University, which led me to become the President of Kabul University. After the coup of 1978, I was appointed as advisor in the Institute of Legislation Affairs of the Ministry of Justice. After immigration to the United States in 1983, I traveled to Kuwait to join the Islamic Jurisprudence Encyclopedia Association. From April 1988 to June 1994, I worked with the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Peshawar, Pakistan. I joined UNOCAL in 1997 to assist the firm with their project of running a gas pipeline through Afghanistan. After the fall of the Taliban, I joined President Karzai’s Administration, where in 2002 to 2003; I assist the drafting of the new Constitution. In 2006, I was elevated to the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan.

Q: What were your roles and responsibilities in the preparation of the current Constitution of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan?

R: I was the member of the Constitutional Drafting Commission, Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Reviewing Commission and, served as one of the primary drafters.

Q: What were your main duties as an advisor to the Ministry of Justice? Can you name some of the changes you proposed to improve the Judiciary system in Afghanistan?

R: I served as the Director of the legislative department of the Ministry of Justice. The judiciary administration was elevated to an institute of legislation. Academic degrees were awarded to the staff at the university-level and there were upgrade to the staffs’ salaries.

Q: What new technologies are needed and how can they be implemented to enhance the quality of Judiciary system?

R: The Supreme Court (SC) of Afghanistan, Information technology department was established for the purpose to give the public information about the SC activities. Weekly meetings reports were published online. News reports update of three publications were presented online: Bulletin, Gazette, and Mezan publication. We also used video conference systems to arrange meetings with provincial high courts judiciary staff.

Q: What constitutes the tribunal of Supreme Court?

R: There are nine justices on the tribunal appointed for 10-year terms by the President of Afghanistan, with the approval of the Wolesi Jirga. The President selects one of the nine members to serve as Chief Justice. The constitution allows for judges to be trained in either civil or Islamic law.

Q: What are the main functions of Supreme Court?

R: The main functions of the judicial area include: Proceeding and separation of criminal and punitive cases of judges; Interpretation of laws; Revision of the decisions of the courts; Suggesting development of laws; and Ensuring consistency of judicial procedure. The administrative area manages the budget, personnel affairs of the judges, and judicial statistics.

The structures include:
1. Supreme Court Divisions (Civil, commercial, criminal, etc.)
2. Appeal Courts in each province.
3. Primary Courts (City and district level).
4. Other courts (Children, family, commercial).
5. Documentation Departments.

Q: During the time that you were Chief Justice of Supreme Court, were there specific reform projects you recommended?

R: One very important task was to eliminate corruption and bribery. I offered judges promises that would improve their safety and lifestyle: housing, vehicle, security, uniform and great salary in exchange for stopping bribery. We caught approximately 72 judges in bribery and terminated their positions. I also implemented a program where the head of each province was required to give a monthly report. We also created a Concord Secret Numbering system for exams to eliminate favoritism. I also implemented an open-door policy where the public came in once a week to voice concerns in person.

Q: Describe the challenges and difficulties your office faced dealing with the Judicial system reform?

R: Challenges included corruption among judges and lawyers, reaching out to rural area courts, not enough trained lawyers, great number of cases, lack of sufficient budgets, and foreign interferences.

Q: As a former Professor and President of Kabul University, how are things different now regarding education?

R: During my tenure, the main difference was security. We had more resources and opportunity for students to travel abroad. Today insecurity is the main issue; students study with fear. Limitation of budget and lack of experienced professors also affect the standard.

Q: Should all colleges and universities unify their curriculums?

R: Unified curriculum is a necessity for maintaining high standards. Kabul University should play a significant role in standardization of the curriculum of private and public universities.

Q: Advise us of your thoughts about improvement of the environmental regulations and their implementations in Afghanistan.

R: Pollution is a serious problem due to construction without proper sanitation, old cars, and burning of improper materials for heating. Implementation of regulations is difficult in the current political and security situation.

Q: You were involved in educational programs of Afghan Refugees in Peshawar. Please tell us about the effectiveness.

R: We prepared textbooks and trained teachers for cross-border shipment. The mind awareness component was very effective in reducing deaths and injuries, especially of children, from landmines.

Q: What was the key to your success and what type of advice do you have for Afghan professionals abroad?

R: Success is due to the love of my profession, accountability, and self-confidence. My advice to professionals outside the country is to stay active and utilize their resources to make positive changes in Afghanistan.

Membership News

In memory of Architect Ashraf Roshan

I am so pleased to announce that the family of late Architect Ashraf Roshan decided to establish a Scholarship Fund to be used for educational purposes of the students of architecture at Kabul University. Mr. Roshan was a founding member and a former Treasurer of the SAE. He graduated from the department of Architecture at Kabul University in 1980 and founded AR Architectural Group in Chester, Maryland.

SAE-Ashraf Roshan Scholarship for Architecture Education

The SAE-Ashraf Roshan Scholarship is established by Mrs. Tooba Roshan and family in memory of her late husband. The award will provide financial assistance to current architecture and design university students in Afghan universities who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence.

Eligibility requirement:
1. Leadership and excellence award.
2. Outstanding female student award.
3. Best architectural portfolio award.
4. Research in heritage architecture.
5. Travel and attending conferences.

Distribution and award amount:
Students must be in a graduate or undergraduate architecture program at an Afghan university (3rd, 4th, or 5th year). The award amount will be $5,000 – $6,000, split among recipients.

SAE Executive Committees 2021-2023

Jalal Masumi, Vice Chairman of the Board

Mr. Masumi graduated from Kabul University as civil engineer in 1972 and pursued graduate studies in structural engineering at Newcastle University, UK. He worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for 28 years and served as Assistant PM for the $2.54 billion Woodrow Wilson Bridge Replacement Project.

Gul Afghan Saleh, Executive Director of the Board

Dr. Saleh is a civil engineer and certified PMP with a Ph.D. in Urban Planning. He has managed donor-funded projects for USAID, UN World Food Program, and UNODC. He provided management services on large infrastructure projects in the energy and water sectors.

Hamayon Ibrahim, SAE Vice President

Mr. Ibrahim is a graduate of the architecture department from Kabul University and is currently a practicing architect in Virginia.

Dr. Mahmoud Samizay, SAE Treasurer

Dr. Samizay has a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and over 30 years of experience working with the World Bank and Ministry of Urban Planning in Afghanistan.

Prof. Bashir Kazimee, Chairperson of Architecture and City Planning Subcommittee

Prof. Kazimee is an award-winning professor emeritus at Washington State University and a graduate of MIT.

Mr. Rafaat Ludin, Chairperson of SAE/AGA Liaison Committee

Mr. Ludin has an Electrical Engineering degree and an MBA. He is an expert business developer in renewable energies and real estate.

Mr. Wali Shairzay, Chairperson of Capacity Building and Academic Development

Mr. Shairzay served as Deputy Minister of Public Works and Energy and Water in Afghanistan. He has a master’s degree from the American University of Beirut.

Prof. Amin Mahmood, P.E., Chairperson of SAE Student Subcommittee

Mr. Mahmood is a registered Structural Engineer in several states including California and Hawaii and owns AM Structural Design Inc.

Mr. Mohammad Jan Mehrzai, Chairperson of SAE Corporation Committee

Mr. Mehrzai is an industrial technologist with experience in international infrastructure projects, including oil pipelines in Russia and Kazakhstan.

SAE New Members 2021

We welcome our new members:
* Dr. Reinhard Goethert of MIT: Director of the SIGUS Group, focusing on housing and urban settlement.
* Eng. Abdullah Ehsan: Graduate of Kabul University and University of Nebraska, currently with Gannett Structural Grace.
* Eng. Jan Mehrzai: Industrial technologist with experience in project management for Fluor and Chevron.
* Mr. Tamim Atayee: CEO/Principal of Rivertech Inc., expert in water resource engineering.
* Mr. Yar M. Tarakay: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and professional engineer in Canada.
* Mohamad Ishaq Mohmand: Quality Assurance Engineer for ADB funded projects in Afghanistan.
* Matiullah Kamran: Director of Smart Union Construction Company.
* Mohamad Fazil Mohmand: Director of Musawir Baheer Construction & Logistic Services.
* Ms. Merzieh Karimi: Master degree in Energy and Architecture from Tehran University.

Achievements and Awards

• Prof. Hafizullah Wardak recognized as “A Valuable Contributor to the Cause of Society” for his contributions to the successful 2020 election and 30 years of service at Boeing Aerospace.
• 1st BioNatural Healing Conference: May 24-25, 2021 Virtual. Hosted by Dr. Nadir Sidiqi, focusing on nutrition, health, and immune systems during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Dr. Sharif Hossainy: Author of “The New Parliament Complex of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” a new book in Dari and English.

Announcements

1. 2021 SAE Membership Renewal: Membership renewal and the annual fee of $60 are due. Fees enable website security, maintenance, and seminars.
2. SAE eNewsletter Regional Representatives: Positions are open for regional volunteers to report technical news.

Comments and Suggestions

From Professor Dr. Zarjon Baha:
“Thank for your continuous effort to publish the SAE eNewsletter… It is one of the great assets for our society.”
Editor Response: Thanked Dr. Baha and acknowledged the joint efforts of the subcommittee.

From Dr. S. Sharif Hossainy:
“Thank you for your kind efforts and volunteering. Happy New Year 2021.”
Editor Response: Reciprocated the New Year wishes.

From Mr. Hanan Azimi (Professor Azimi’s son):
“Thank you all for putting your best efforts in this interview, especially Dr. Hassani… I am certain that my father is delighted.”
Editor Response: Expressed honor in publishing Professor Azimi’s insights.

The Society of Afghan Engineers Organization

• Executive Committee: Najim Azadzoi (President), Hamayon Ibrahim (VP), Mahmoud Samizay (Treasurer).
• Board of Directors: A. Manan Khalid (Chairman), Jalal Masumi (Vice-Chairman), Gul Afghan Saleh (Executive Director).
• Board Members: Wahed Hassani, Sharif Hossainy, Amanullah Mommandi, Hadi Rakin, Masood Sattari, Zabi Zaca.
• Past Presidents: Atiq Panjshiri, Ghulam Mujtaba, Abdul Hadi Rakin, M. Quasem Kadir, Mohammed Hashim Rayek, Ahmad Wali Shairzay, Sohaila Sanie Shekib, Malik Mortaza.
• Subcommittee Chairs: Ghulam Mujtaba (eNewsletter), Wali Shairzay (Capacity Building), Bashir Kazimee (Architecture), Rafaat Ludin (Liaison), Amin Mahmood (Student), Mohammad Jan Mehrzai (Corporation).
• Local Coordinators: A. Hamid Layan (Kabul), M. Qaseem Naimi (Toronto), Najim Azadzoi (MA), Mohammad Najib Poya (N. CA), A. Manan Khalid (NY/NJ), Amanullah Mommandi (CO), Atiq Panjshiri (VA/DC).
• eNewsletter Editorial Board: Ghulam Mujtaba (Editor-in-Chief), A. Wahed Hassani, A. Manan Khalid, Hafizullah Wardak.